A joint meeting of the Governments of Ukraine and Romania took place on 18 October, following which a number of important documents were signed on economic and social cooperation between the two countries.

“Romania is our economic partner, a reliable ally against russian aggression, a country with which we have numerous historical and cultural ties. That is why we are committed to a comprehensive partnership and deepening of relations,” said Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.

According to the Head of Ukrainian Government, today it is possible to say that the two countries have been cooperating effectively, even in times of full-scale war.

One of the results, according to Denys Shmyhal, is effective cooperation in the field of logistics. Romania has become part of the Grain Corridor and Solidarity Lanes, and after russia resumed its Black Sea blockade, the transit corridor through the Danube ports to Romania has become a key route for Ukrainian agricultural exports.

“Currently, 60% of our grain exports pass through Romanian territory. And in terms of bilateral trade, Romania is the third largest country for Ukraine. And this is far from the limit,” stressed the Prime Minister of Ukraine.

In addition, the principles and provisions of the agreement signed in August this year between the governments of the two countries on strengthening cooperation in ensuring reliable transit are being implemented.

“By expanding the transit corridor in the Ukraine-Moldova-Romania triangle, we can double our export opportunities in this direction,” Denys Shmyhal said.

The second result of cooperation between Ukraine and Romania is significant progress in the development of border infrastructure. New border crossings Dyakivtsi – Racovăț and Krasnoilsk – Vicovu de Sus have been opened, and four more are planned in Bukovyna and Zakarpattia. According to the Head of Ukrainian Government, there is a full understanding of how to modernise cross-border transport routes in a coordinated manner.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine also referred to military-technical cooperation: “Our Romanian partners do a lot for us. I am particularly grateful for the creation of a training centre for Ukrainian pilots, which will soon be operational.”

The Ukrainian side also hopes that Romania will contribute to Ukraine’s recovery.

Denys Shmyhal is convinced that the two countries will continue to cooperate in strategically important areas such as transport and logistics, agriculture, border infrastructure, energy and military cooperation.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine thanked Romania for its comprehensive assistance during the war with the russian aggressor: military, economic, financial and sanctions-related.

Following the meeting of the governments, a number of important documents were signed:

• Agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of Romania on the construction of a road bridge crossing over the Tysa River on the Ukrainian-Romanian state border between Bila Tserkva (Ukraine) and Sighetu Marmației (Romania);
• Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of Romania on strengthening cooperation to ensure safe transit of Ukrainian products;
• Implementing Protocol between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of Romania to the Agreement between Ukraine and the European Community on Readmission;
• Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation between the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine and the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism of Romania;
• Declaration of Intent between the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and the Ministry of Health of Romania;
• Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation in the Pharmaceutical Field between the State Service of Ukraine on Medicines and Drugs Control and the National Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices of Romania.